The State of Qatar participated in the Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which was held today by video conference technology, at the United Nations headquarters in New York, under the theme: "Bandung+65: More Relevant, United and Effective NAM against Emerging Global Challenge Including COVID-19".

The State of Qatar was represented at the meeting by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi.

In the speech of the State of Qatar to the meeting, His Excellency said that the Non-Aligned Movement has made great efforts during its march to face international challenges and create an international environment that ensures progress and prosperity for the peoples of the Movement's countries, and strengthens international peace and security.

His Excellency added that the coincidence of the 65th anniversary of the Bandung Conference with the exceptional circumstances in which the world is facing as a result of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic represents an opportunity to renew commitment to the principles and goals of Bandung, which is still able to achieve the goals we aspire to.

He stressed that the weight that the Non-Aligned Movement represents in the international arena and the number of its members in the United Nations qualifies it to play an effective role in solving international crises and achieving its goals, based on the movement's rich historical legacy and the goals for which it was founded.

HE the Minister said that based on the commitment of the member states to the goals and purposes of the United Nations, and given that this commitment is consistent with the goals of the movement and serves the interests of the member states, the translation of this commitment must be reflected in our policies as member states of the movement, and abandoning any measures or policies that harm other countries under motives and justifications prohibited by the UN Charter and international law.

In this regard, His Excellency referred to the unilateral measures and the unjust blockade imposed on the State of Qatar more than three years ago by member states of the Non-Aligned Movement, in a flagrant violation of international law, the UN Charter and NAM principles, which has long issued decisions and declarations rejecting such illegal measures.

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs said that in light of the risks entailed by such policies, and the fact that they pose a serious threat to the movement's unity, international peace and security, and its serious violation of the human rights, the NAM action to prevent such policies not only serves the interests of states that are subjected to unjust and illegal measures, but rather strengthens the role and status of the movement in the international arena and serves the interests of its countries.

His Excellency stressed that the movements endeavor, since its establishment, to achieve a world dominated by respect for international law and the UN Charter, is completely consistent with the policy of the State of Qatar and its firm commitment to cooperate with the member states on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in the affairs of others and its support for just causes of the Non-Aligned Movement members.

His Excellency reiterated the State of Qatar's appreciation for the Non-Aligned Movement support for international legitimacy decisions related to the Palestinian cause, and reiterated Qatar's support for international efforts aimed at achieving a just and comprehensive peace based on international legitimacy decisions and the Arab Peace Initiative, and on the basis of the two-state solution, and the rights of the Palestinians, including the establishment of an independent state of Palestine on the 1967 borders with Al-Quds as its capital, and to end to the Israeli occupation of all occupied Arab lands, to halt settlements, and lift the siege on Gaza Strip and the rest of the Palestinian territories.

His Excellency also renewed the State of Qatar's support for all international efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis in accordance with the Geneva-1 statement, in a manner that puts an end to the suffering of the Syrian people and enhances security and stability in the region.

His Excellency said that Qatar continues to support international efforts to combat terrorism and confront extremism and terrorism in all its forms and their supporters,

His Excellency also renewed the State of Qatar's categorical refusal to use terrorism as a pretext to offend states and make false accusations to achieve unlawful political goals.

His Excellency said that it is within the framework of Qatar's commitment to confront the repercussions of the Coronavirus pandemic, and in line with the outcomes of the summit of heads of state and government of the Non-Aligned Movement organized under the theme: "United Against COVID-19", which was held last May, Qatar has continued to carry out its humanitarian duty to support countries facing this pandemic, especially the NAM member states, as the State of Qatar has provided urgent medical aid to nearly 78 countries.

His Excellency pointed out that aid amounted to approximately USD 89 million, in addition to the support provided to the World Health Organization in the amount of USD 10 million, the Global Vaccine Alliance with an amount of USD 20 million, and the support of the United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR. Qatar also provided financial support of USD 150 million to Gaza Strip to improve the humanitarian situation and confront the effects of the Coronavirus crisis.

His Excellency reiterated Qatar's commitment to work within the Movement's framework and support its efforts to achieve the goals sought by the peoples of the NAM member states.